§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated value of fish caught by Spanish vessels fishing in British waters, out to 200 miles or the median line, in the last year for which figures are available. [71698]
§ Mr. MorleyI have been asked to reply.
This information is not available in the form requested. Under the Common Fisheries Policy, Member States are required to collect data only on the activities of their own vessels or in relation to other landings in their ports. In addition, catch information is required only by species and by ICES statistical areas, which may cover the waters of several countries.
Furthermore, TACs and quotas are set by ICES areas, rather than by reference to national zones. Spanish vessels do not have access to all waters within British fishery limits.